Car dealers prepared for potential thieves

Thieves who have established a pattern of stealing tires, wheels and even vehicles from Michigan auto dealerships appear to have struck again in the Petoskey area.

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By Mike Fornes

Cheboygan Daily Tribune - Cheboygan, MI

By Mike Fornes

Posted Oct. 10, 2012 at 12:04 AM
Updated Oct 10, 2012 at 12:05 AM

By Mike Fornes

Posted Oct. 10, 2012 at 12:04 AM
Updated Oct 10, 2012 at 12:05 AM

Thieves who have established a pattern of stealing tires, wheels and even vehicles from Michigan auto dealerships appear to have struck again in the Petoskey area.

Emmet County Sheriff Pete Wallin said that deputies responded Sunday to Brown Motors, located at 2170 US-31 North in Bear Creek Township, to find that five sets of tires and rims had been taken from new Ford Edge automobiles. Also missing was a 2013 Ford Econoline cargo van.

Cheboygan-area dealers, so far not victims of the thieves, appear determined to assist police if they are next on the list.

"The Detroit dealers put wheel locks on every one of their vehicles," said Spence Libby, owner and general manager of Wheeler Motors, 11401 N. Straits Highway. "It's expensive, but the car is more expensive. It's getting tougher for them (thieves) to steal in Detroit so they are coming up here. So now we have wheel locks, too."

"We've stepped it up quite a bit," said Barry Vizina, used car manager at Fernelius Toyota Chrysler Dodge, located at 11283 N. Straits Highway, of his company's security measures. "We have security cameras that are always watching. These guys will be caught."

Vizina said that the loss of tires and wheels pale compared to the thefts of more expensive items and even the vehicles themselves.

"What they are trying to steal are electronics and that really puts a car dealership under," Vizina explained. "Dealers don't stock these things for replacement. "

Wallin agreed that losses have mounted quickly for those dealerships hit by the vandals.

"Value of the items taken is over $40,000," said Wallin in a news release of the Brown Motors theft. "The suspects removed (the items) sometime between 2 p.m. on Saturday and 9:30 a.m. on Sunday. There have been several similar larcenies from dealerships of new wheels, tires and other auto parts in Missaukee, Ogemaw, Otsego, Wexford and Saginaw Counties."

Libby has seen a pattern in the dealership losses.

"I know what's happening," Libby added. "They're allowing themselves enough time to get away. Saturday night seems to be a key component. Most of the dealerships, including ourselves, are installing video surveillance. We've changed our lighting, too, and have motion sensors. Whatever we can do to strengthen our security, we'll do it."

Vizina emphasized that the time-honored tradition of potential customers checking out a dealer's car selection on the weekend or at night is still welcomed.

"It's OK to come look at cars," Vizina said. "We want people to see our vehicles and follow up with a purchase during business hours. We are watching for the thieves if they show up."

Libby agreed that customers should not be dissuaded by added security, but encouraged by it.

"That's why we're so well lit at night — so people can look at our vehicles," Libby said. "We encourage it. It's part of our business model."

Page 2 of 2 - Wallin asked that anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area of Brown Motors prior to Oct. 7 is urged to contact the Emmet County Sheriff's Office at 231-439-8900.